Hanging Rock Winery’s Rob Ellis has become the first individual from the Macedon Ranges to take home an award at the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards.
Mr Ellis’ pinot gris, gewurztraminer and riesling blend ‘The Jim Jim Three’ won Best White Blend at the awards ceremony held earlier this month.
It marked a successful stretch for Mr Ellis and his family who own Hanging Rock Winery, with him also taking out the Best Other White award category at the Ballarat Wine Show.
Mr Ellis said the last year had provided terrific conditions for producing wine.
“We had really good ripening conditions towards the end of the year, which helps build lots of fresh character, especially for the aromatic whites,” he said.
“The only stress in the Macedon Ranges is that it’ll be too cool to ripen.
“From the flavour balances when we picked the grapes, you could tell it was going to be special.”
Before returning to his family vineyard a decade ago, Mr Ellis spent time abroad honing his skills in regions such as Burgundy, Oregon, Champagne and Western Australia.
Mr Ellis said his travels have taught him that the Macedon Ranges has plenty to offer in terms of produce, and had enjoyed seeing customers return to Hanging Rock Winery once again as restrictions eased.
“We’re just very happy to be having cellar door customers again, we certainly missed them,” he said.
“It’s a very positive feeling at the moment. It’s really all about getting people out here to enjoy themselves.”
Oliver Lees
